Tags - jaffa

Going down to Joppa. When we left Tel Aviv, Dr. Hartman with Shalom Ministries pointed out a great Bible application for us. When Jonah fled from God he went "down." To get to Joppa, a coastal city, Jonah had to go down. So he went down to Joppa, down into the boat, and ultimately down into the belly of a great fish. But when Jonah cried out to God from inside the great fish, Jonah's lowest point, God heard his prayer and restored him. So the fish vomited Jonah onto dry land, back "up" so to speak when Jonah stopped running from God. How many times in my own life has that same application been true.

It was amazing to look at the ancient city and buildings of Joppa realizing that this was the very place where Jonah thought he could run from God. We did not actually stop in Joppa but our bus driver drove through very slowly as our tour guide pointed out the old city in relation to the new city as well as many other points of interest. One of these being Simon the Tanner's house. Our bus drove up a steep hill here allowing us to look down over a wall and get a glimpse of the house. This house of course is where Peter had his vision while on the roof. Acts 10:34-35 I love because Peter realized here after his vision, and later announced to Cornelius in Caesarea, that God's word is for everyone, not just a select few. "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right".